Little Charlotte,

You were truly an amazing little cat. You converted my mother, who always swore she didn't like cats, to falling in love with you and doting upon you with gifts like a true "Grandmeowther". And how could she not? You were the sweetest little girl, so shy and polite, dainty in everything you did.

I was in a very, very difficult time in my life when I decided to bring you home. I thought adopting a cat would help; it was easy to let myself neglect my daily routines or healthy habits, but if I was having to take care of someone else, perhaps I would start to take care of myself too.

I named you Charlotte when I adopted you but never got rid of "Strawberry" as your name in my head, either. Strawberry Charlotte, a sweet and delicious little cake for a sweet little girl with her little strawberry pink nose and ears and toe beans. Pink was always your colour, I didn't mind being a single guy who bought pink collars and toys for my little girl. It was clearly what suited you best.

I could write so, so many things about you and what I loved about you so dearly. Our little routines, how you loved cat grass but especially in the morning... always having a little "salad time" for breakfast... or the way you loved to rub your face all over the shoes of guests that they'd leave at the front door. I called you our little TSA agent, asking you to remove your shoes and inspecting them thoroughly! How much you loved laundry day and would help me when I was folding my laundry by laying on the clean clothes (sometimes before folding, sometimes after). You loved things neat and tidy— be it the folded blanket on the couch or when my bed was made and I put a folded blanket for you at the foot to sleep on. You never got cosy in messy beds the same way you did tidy ones. And you'd make such funny little biscuits when you kneaded, so focused! A dedicated little baker.

What hurts the most is just how young you were. You were only three years old, and I got to enjoy two of them with you. The vet said it was so sudden and unexpected, it would have been impossible to predict. If there are any small miracles, it's that it happened the day I had a dentist appointment and so I was home when it happened. I don't think you were afraid, and I showed you all my love and care right up until the end. You were in my lap just minutes before you passed. I know I could have instead been at work and come home to find something wrong, and despite me still cursing and asking why it had to happen to you so young, I'm forever thankful I was there with you and that I know there was truly nothing I could have done.

Thank you so much for all the love and kindness and joy you brought to my life Charlotte. I do not exaggerate when I say you changed my life for the better and I would not be where I am had we never crossed paths. I am back in grad school now, and it seems I'm likely going to get my PhD— thanks to you. I will remember the lessons you taught me: the importance of keeping a good schedule, keeping a tidy house (from liking my bed and couch made, to helping me find bits of lint or garbage on the floor that need to be put away!), doing a thorough job with personal hygiene, how you’re never too old to learn to play or do something new (like enjoying lap time!), never forgetting treat time, and always, always, making time for snuggles whenever you can.

We were a pair and I am so, so happy I got to give you your forever home and I think that you truly loved it and had the best life a little gentle girl could ask for, even if it was destined to be so short. I am so glad that I cherished every day we had together, amazed by every snooze and snuggle and playtime. I loved you from the day you came into my life, to the day you left, and will forevermore.

Rest easy, my sweet sweet girl. You will be missed so much.

Love,

Morgan